Artemide Tizio

The Tizio lamp looks extraordinary because it is. When it was first designed in 1979 by Richard Sapper it completely rewrote the language of desk light design. It caused designers around the world to scratch their heads in wonder ‘What do we do now?’ They asked. With its two counterweights, parallel arms and matt finish the light was like some kind of kinetic sculpture. It is almost impossible to find a position for it where it does not look marvelous. It might not have been so dispiriting for the global design community if the light only looked good but due to a dislike of the untidiness of cables Sapper also reinvented the way it was powered using a 12 volt transformer in the swivel base and running the electricity through the frame so that there were no visible wires. With its adjustable head and two stage dimmable halogen or LED the Tizio is not only dazzling in its conception and construction but also its illumination.